Buck Helene Fuels Reduction IRSC

This Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. The Government will not reimburse accompanying costs.

1. Background & Purpose

Following Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Forest Service seeks capability statements from qualified vendors able to conduct hazardous fuels reduction on steep and rugged terrain within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) of Western North Carolina. Due to urgent and compelling needs to implement hazardous fuels reduction work, this RFI will remain open for six (6) calendar days.

2. Anticipated Scope of Work

• Manual felling and preparation of damaged timber and small roundwood for helicopter yarding.


• Helicopter yarding and ground transportation of over 300,000 tons of timber.


• Planning and site preparation for helicopter landings and processing and sort yards for transportation.


• Maintaining tractor trailer accessibility for loading timber from deck areas.


• Restoration of deck areas after operations have concluded.


• Aerial seeding of landslides.

3. Place of Performance

Various locations in Western North Carolina impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

4. Period of Performance

Anticipated start date: Late Spring/Early Summer 2026. Period of performance is estimated not exceed two operational seasons and will depend on weather, access, and coordination.

5. Requested Capability Statement Content

• Company information (UEI, address, POC, socio-economic status).


• Relevant experience, especially hazardous fuel reduction, helicopter yarding, steep slope timber operations and Wildland Urban Interface operations.


• Safety program details and crew qualifications.


• Equipment lists and mobilization capabilities.


• Past performance references.

6. Response Instructions & Due Date

Responses should be submitted electronically to: matthew.daigle@usda.gov. All responses are due no later than 08:00A.M. on 4/30/2026. Late submissions may not be considered.